The Next Step: Is a new arena Rochester's next big-ticket need?
Plans for a new downtown arena, now a couple years in the making, continue to resurface and spark discussion. The proposal, as it stands today, calls for replacing the Taylor Arena with a modern facility that could put Rochester in a position to begin competing with nearby cities for sports and entertainment dollars.
Proponents of the project say a new arena would draw bigger events to Rochester, providing both cultural and economic benefits. Others scoff at the projected $50+ million price tag, arguing other issues like affordable housing are more worthy of attention.
For our second installment of The Next Step, we hear from two community leaders on opposite sides of the debate. Brad Jones, head of the visitors bureau, has been leading the planning process and organizing support for the initiative. Council member Michael Wojcik has been one of the most outspoken critics of building an arena. He wants to stop the proposal in its tracks.
New arena would be a boost for Rochester
"Evidence is mounting that Rochester can support and would benefit economically and culturally from a new arena."
Building an arena should not be a city priority
"Just like in a bad zombie movie, the latest stadium proposal keeps coming back to life."
The Next Step is a new series where we ask local leaders and community members to weigh in on the issues of the day. More than a diagnosis of a problem, we are seeking out potential solutions and pushing the conversation forward.
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